DACA applications and renewals
On July 15, 2012, President Obama signed an executive order to provide employment authorization and permission to stay for certain foreign nationals who entered the USA as minors. This order is known as “DACA” or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
What are some benefits of DACA?
Upon approval, the foreign national would be given a two year work permit. There are certain other valuable benefits that can accompany DACA including:
The end of an accrual of unlawful presence for foreign nationals who filed for DACA prior to turning 18.
The ability to request a travel permit (advance parole) and travel out and into the country.
The ability to request administrative closure of deportation proceedings pending against the foreign national.
The automatic stay (halt) of a final and outstanding order of deportation, the ability to obtain a social security number.
In some states, the ability to obtain a driver’s license or receive educational assistance.
Thus, DACA is a valuable program and all those who qualify should consider seriously, with the help of an office such as ours, whether to participate.
When will my DACA approval expire?
The first DACA approvals will begin to expire in September 2014. To avoid a lapse in the numerous direct and fringe DACA benefits, foreign nationals who were granted DACA must file renewal requests before the end of their current period. That expiration date is listed on the foreign national’s employment authorization card or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).